Monthly Spotlight Series
The People, Places, and Ideas
that Shaped a Nation
Each month, Revolutionary Spaces shines a light on a key figure, pivotal event, bold idea, or distinctive object connected to the Old State House, Old South Meeting House, or the broader story of the American Revolution. These Monthly Spotlights invite visitors to learn more about the people and moments that shaped our nation’s founding—and continue to shape our understanding of democracy today.
Guests can explore themed displays featuring historic photographs, primary source documents, and hands-on activities daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering new ways to engage with our shared past. Read more about our previous and upcoming Monthly Spotlights and then plan your next visit by purchasing your tickets today!
June 2025 Monthly Spotlight
The Liberty Affair
This month, Revolutionary Spaces is spotlighting the Liberty Affair, an early and dramatic act of colonial resistance to Parliamentary taxes and customs regulations. In June 1768, customs officials seized John Hancock’s ship Liberty on suspicion of smuggling. Angry Bostonians responded by hauling the Collector of Customs’ private yacht to Boston Common, where they burned it to ashes! They also attacked customs officials and smashed the windows of their homes. They later held a large protest meeting at the Old South Meeting House, in which they drafted and sent a petition to the royal governor.
Come learn about this memorable episode through hand-outs, primary sources, and images at the Old South Meeting House. You are also welcome to reenact this moment by engaging with our make-your-own-paper-boat activity. And, if you’re feeling especially patriotic and revolutionary, take a photo or video of you destroying your boat in front of the pulpit! And be sure to tag us on social media (@RevSpaces)!
Past Monthly Spotlights
This March, join Revolutionary Spaces as we recognize the 250th anniversary of Dr. Joseph Warren's dramatic Boston Massacre Memorial Speech delivered at the Old South Meeting House. Learn about Warren's life and contributions to the patriot cause, including his work as a physician, his famous 1775 address at Old South, and his tragic death at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Dress in a toga, as Warren did, and take a photo in front of our pulpit!
All month long, Revolutionary Spaces will spotlight the patriot who rode from Boston out to Lexington on the night of April 18, 1775, to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that British troops were on the move to arrest them. No, we're not talking about Paul Revere, we're talking about William Dawes! Come learn about Dawes' perilous ride from Boston to Lexington, read first-hand accounts describing his efforts, and do your best Dawes imitation on our period-accurate hobby horse. Also, join us to celebrate Dawes' 280th birthday on April 6th!
To commemorate Preservation Month throughout May, Revolutionary Spaces is spotlighting two key figures in the preservation of the Old State House and Old South Meeting House: Moses Gulesian and Mary Hemenway.
Visit the Old State House to learn how Gulesian, an Armenian immigrant who arrived in America with only a single Turkish pound in his pocket, put himself through English school, became a United States citizen, restored the lion and unicorn on top of the Old State House, and helped save the USS Constitution from becoming target practice for the U.S. Navy. At the Old South Meeting House, you'll learn about Mary Hemenway's various philanthropic projects, including helping poor Black and white children after the Civil War, promoting the health and wellness of Boston's school children, and using her social and financial resources to save Old South from demolition. Each site will feature primary sources to explore and activities to engage with.